A gathering of Holden Toranas worth more than $16 million will leave spectators in awe this weekend at Maitland Showground and raise money for Ronald McDonald House.
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“We used to call Newcastle the Mecca for Torana lovers, but we want to make Maitland our new home,” organiser Peter Morris said.
He’s one of 80 members of the Hunter Valley Torana Club who pull together Toranafest, which attracts participants from as far afield as Western Australia.
In 2013, the event attracted 354 entrants and indications are 2015 could topple that.
A Toranafest Cruise is a new addition that’s had 120 registrations alone for the Saturday and will see the drivers form a convoy through Morpeth and East Maitland.
The traditional show and shine is laid down for the Sunday and is a ticketed event for the first time.
A meet-and-greet barbecue is also scheduled for the Saturday night.
“We’re selling tickets fast and we expect visitors into the thousands,” Mr Morris said.
“Based on this weekend, we’ll consider if the showground is the best venue for future events.”
Newcastle no longer suitable
The Wickham rail truncation and a lack of parking have made the Newcastle Foreshore unsuitable for Toranafest.
“They’ve cut the rail line, so it’s difficult for people get to the foreshore now,” Hunter Valley Torana Club member and Toranafest organiser Peter Morris said.
“And the problem we’ve always had is parking.”
Maitland City Council has played a pivotal role in the event’s move.
“Rachel MacLucas and Maitland council have been absolutely fantastic,” Mr Morris said.
Toranafest began on the Newcastle Foreshore in 1994 as a New FM radio event and the Hunter Valley Torana Club has carried the baton since.
